Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Orioles fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The 2026 Orioles season is rapidly moving in an unfortunate direction, from which there is no guarantee or even likelihood that they will be able to navigate back to somewhere good. Even the fig leaf of “well, they’re close to the third Wild Card spot” has disappeared during the current
four-game losing streak. Now, an above-.500 team occupies WC3 and the Orioles are five games out.
Not every Oriole is contributing equally to the disappointing outcome. Some guys are doing decently for themselves as this season is playing out. If the team had only won about three more games up to this point, we’d look at these efforts as helping the team to hold it together.
At the end of each season, mainstream media that covers the team are asked to choose the Most Valuable Oriole. Last year’s winner, Trevor Rogers, is looking unlikely to repeat. In this week’s survey, I’d like you to think about who your choice is for Most Valuable Oriole so far:
Looking strictly at Baseball Reference WAR, Pete Alonso is the winner. He is doing more or less what he was signed to do, although it took him a little while to get started. He leads the team with 19 homers.
There are valid reasons to consider other choices as well. Brandon Young’s out-of-nowhere transformation into a pretty good pitcher might be a crucial pillar that kept the Orioles from collapse up until the last few days. The team is 10-3 when he starts, meaning it is 29-45 when anyone else starts. Wow.
Results will be posted later in the week. Make your voice count by voting above. You can also let us know why you chose who you did in the comments below.
